ICC Commercial Mechanical Practice Exam

What is the minimum required outdoor ventilation air in CFM per person for an auditorium with an estimated maximum occupant load of 150 persons per 1,000 square feet?

1. 5

2. 10

3. 15

4. 20

The correct answer is: 5

The minimum required outdoor ventilation air in CFM (cubic feet per minute) per person for an auditorium is typically determined by standards such as those set forth in ASHRAE 62.1, which governs ventilation requirements. In general, the recommended value for outdoor air is based on the nature of the space and the activities within it. For assembly areas, such as auditoriums, the standard often sets a baseline for acceptable ventilation rates to ensure the comfort and health of the occupants, accounting for factors like density and usage of the space. In this case, 5 CFM per person is a common guideline for assembly spaces like auditoriums where the focus is on ensuring adequate air quality without excessive energy costs. This volume helps maintain acceptable CO2 levels as well as addresses the information about odors and overall comfort. Larger values like 10, 15, or 20 CFM may be more appropriate for spaces with higher activity levels or where more intensive physical exertion occurs, but for a standard auditorium setting with a maximum occupant load of 150 persons, the recommended minimum of 5 CFM is adequate to provide necessary ventilation and maintain good air quality.